On this day May 9, 1980, five heavily armed gunmen held up a Security Pacific Bank in Norco, California, triggering one of the most violent police shootouts and car chases in California history. Armed with assault rifles, homemade explosives, and military gear, the robbers engaged in a fierce gun battle with law enforcement and led police on a 25 mile pursuit through Riverside County.
The incident left two of the gunmen dead, one police officer killed, and several others injured. Thirty three police and civilian vehicles were destroyed in the chaos, many from gunfire or explosive damage.
Fun fact: The Norco shootout exposed serious gaps in police weaponry and led to widespread changes in law enforcement training and equipment across the country.
The incident left two of the gunmen dead, one police officer killed, and several others injured. Thirty three police and civilian vehicles were destroyed in the chaos, many from gunfire or explosive damage.
Fun fact: The Norco shootout exposed serious gaps in police weaponry and led to widespread changes in law enforcement training and equipment across the country.
